MUSIC: A Conversation with Blues-Rock Band My Goodness

How many times have you showed up late for a concert because you didn’t care about the opening band? Opening acts can be underwhelming at times, but there are exceptions to the rule. That being said, you’d be sorely mistaken if you decide to pass up the opener at the Fete Lounge in Providence. This Thursday, Seattle-based duo My Goodness, which consists of Joel Schneider (guitar/vocals) and Andy Lum (drums), will bring their unique brand of gritty blues-rock to Fete Lounge as they make their Rhode Island debut.

With this in mind, GoLocal spoke to Schneider about the group’s forthcoming album, the band’s unique sound, and what it’s like playing the East Coast for the first time.

A Conversation with Joel Schneider of My Goodness

How does your upcoming album Shiver + Shake compare to your debut album?

With the new record we were able to take a little more time to try new things, add bass and organ, etc. On the first ST record we only had a few days to track. We did do both records with a very similar approach though. Both were tracked in a very live way. Most guitar, bass, drums, and some vocals were tracked all together. That being said, I will say that I think the new record is a better representation of our sound...it's a little more polished sounding and has a clarity that the first record lacked a little.

How has the band grown during that time?

Adding Andy into the band has made a huge difference. His solid meter and ability to be very technical but still groove on drums has opened up a lot of avenues in the song writing process. I'm able to leave more space in a song because I know that he will be able to help me fill it. Before I had the tendency to cram too many ideas into a song. I feel like the new record is easier to listen to because I'm able to simplify things a bit, while still keeping a song dynamic sounding.

Having grown up in Seattle, how did the grunge movement of the '90s influence your sound?

It was definitely is what we listened to the most growing up. It was constantly on the radio and eventually carried us into a pretty thriving Seattle hardcore scene in our high school years. It really left us with a propensity to play heavier music. Although we've branched into different genres since we still have that as one of our main influences in how we write and play. I think that energy translates into a lot of what we do.

I’ve read comparisons between My Goodness and other rock duos like The Black Keys and White Stripes – what do you think of these comparisons? Are they accurate at all?

We are big fans of both bands and I understand how when people listen to our first record they might make those comparisons. That being said, I think we were able to develop our own sound with Shiver + Shake. Although we are super flattered by those comparisons, I don't think we will get as many with the new record.

I hear elements of rock, blues and punk in your sound, where do you draw your inspiration?

From all those genres. We have a background in heavier music but love our blues, soul, and Americana. We listen to a ton of Daptone artists as well as classic blues artists such as Junior Kimbrough, Snooks Eaglin, and Son House. I think our music is a mash up of a lot of the music we listen to on a daily basis.

You’ve added a bassist for you current tour, is this just for live performances or will you be incorporating this into the future studio sessions?

We have added bass for both live performances and studio sessions. We added bass and some keys to almost every song on Shiver + Shake. I think it has made the band quite a bit more dynamic. We are strongly considering permanently adding bass.

Have you ever played New England before?

This will be our first time there! We’re very much looking forward to it. Almost everything after San Diego on this tour is a new city for us. It's been pretty rewarding so far playing for so many people who have never heard our music.

Aside from a one off New York showcase a couple years back, we have never been to the East Coast. Our Feb. 26 show in Washington, D.C. was actually our first New England show.

Although your sound can be described as bluesy garage rock, you have done acoustic songs like “Lost in the Soul." Does your new album contain any songs similar to this one? Is this type of sound something you intend to revisit?

Yes it does. We have a new slow song called "Bottle" on Shiver + Shake. We also added bass and strings to "Lost in the Soul" and will be re-releasing the new version. I write quite a bit of these slower tunes. I usually put then together on acoustic at home and record them. Every now and then I feel like one will be a good fit for My Goodness.

When can fans expect to hear your new album?

Right now the date is set for June 24th via Votiv Music. We are looking forward to getting it out there!

Related Slideshow: 13 Biggest Music Stories in RI in 2013

13. Macauley + Carlton

Local music legend John Macauley of Deer Tick, and world renowned singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton came to Providence in January to headline a show to benefit The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence.

Here is music critic Rob Duguay's review of the show:

This past Saturday at the upstairs stage of The Columbus Theatre on Broadway in the heart of the West End of Providence, a magnificent display of music took place to benefit The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence. Deer Tick's John McCauley & Ian O'Neil, Vanessa Carlton, Smoota and Caroline Hecht were on a star-studded bill for an experience that was guaranteed to be a memorable one. It's always great when talented people come together for a worthy cause, and in this day and age this was needed more than ever. Read More

12. Carolina Choc Drops

Bringing an eclectic mixture of Piedmont blues, country, ragtime jazz, and traditional folk, the Carolina Chocolate Drops came into town to headline a Sunday night show at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in April.

GoLocal Music Critic was there for the show, and he claimed this to be one of the best shows he attended in 2013:

Class was in session Sunday night at Lupo’s as theCarolina Chocolate Drops provided a crash course in traditional African American music. Their style, which fuses Piedmont Blues, jug band country, ragtime jazz and traditional folk, delighted the crowd. Sounding straight out of a juke joint in Mississippi, (or North Carolina, where the band hails from), their music is infectious. Read More

11. Artistic Explosion

Featuring some of the best local acts from all different genres, GoLocal music critic Rob Duguay organized the first annual Artistic Explosion Music Festival, a week-long multi-venue show to raise money for Girls Rock! and the Rhode Island Music Educators Association.

10. 24 Hour Music Project

For the second straight year, Kim "Giggles" Madden put together Providence's 24 Hour Music Project benefit. This year, all proceeds from the event and concert went to benefit music education in Rhode Island's public schools.

Rob Duguay was on hand for the CD release party in October:

One of the most inspiring things I've encountered in Providence is the 24 Hour Music Project. Started by Kim "Giggles" Madden last year, a star-studded compilation album of the Creative Capital's finest musicians benefits victims of domestic violence. This time around, another album was made to benefit music education in public schools, another noble cause with an ensemble cast of local musical talents. On Sunday at The Spot, the release of the second 24 Hour Music Project album was celebrated with an amazing show that had Dan Dodd, Dylan Sevey & The Gentlemen, Wake and Baker, P. Lowe, Galactic Alliance and Resin ED jammin' on two stages. There's no better way to spend your Sunday than supporting a great cause, and the Spot was the prime destination to do just that. Read More

Last Friday night at the Park Theatre, the nation’s leading ambassador of the Blues made a triumphant stop in Rhode Island. For the second consecutive year, Buddy Guy filled the Park to its 1006-seat capacity, a rare feat for a performer labeled a “Blues” artist. Before the night ended, it was clear why – he is one of the finest performers on tour today. Read More

7. The Temptaions

Legendary Detroit Motown band, the Temptations stopped by Cranston's Park Theatre in December, bringing with them their classics.

Music critic Ken Abrams was front and center for this once-in-a-lifetime R&B experience:

A warm welcome greeted The Temptations Sunday night in Cranston as the Park Theatre hosted a sold out show by the legendary Detroit band. The award winning R&B group thrilled those in attendance with classic hits along with some new songs. Read More

6. Chris Cornell

Legendary Seattle grunge rocker Chris Cornell is known for rocking hard with Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave, and Pearl Jam; but when he came into Providence in November, he left the wires behind for an acoustic show on the newly-renovated stage at The Vets:

Normally, one would think of Chris Cornell as the vocalist who can peel the paint off walls with Seattle legends Soundgarden, but recently he's been doing a solo acoustic tour that's been getting a lot of attention. This past Tuesday he made a stop at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium for an experience that exuded soothing songs that hit straight to the heart. Bhi Bhiman opened things up as well, it was going to a memorable evening. Chris Cornell at his genuine best, what more could you ask for? Read More

5. B.B. King

What could be better than a warm summer night in Newport? How about when you are there to see THE name in Blues, BB King? Well, GoLocal Music criticRob Duguay was lucky enough to be in attendance for this show at the Newport Yachting Center in July:

As a live music fanatic, when I hear that a legend is coming through The Ocean State it's a no-brainer that I have to come check it out. When it's a bluesman like B.B. King performing, saying its a no-brainer is a vast understatement, it's more like a spiritual expedition. The King Of The Blues headlined a fantastic night at The Newport Yachting Center as part of The Sunset Music Series with Providence rocksteady soul group Boo City opening up the show, you knew it was going to be one of the top shows of the summer. The whole time I was here I had to remind myself that one of my favorite musicians of all time in B.B. King as well as pinch myself a few times. The guy is pushing 90 and still tours like he was in his mid-20s and still can strum Lucille better than anybody else, Newport was definitely the hotspot for a once in a lifetime chance to see a musician who will go down as one of the greatest ever. Read More

4. Bob Dylan at URI

Legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan passed through the Ocean State in April, making a stop at URI's Ryan Center. GoLocal music critic Ken Abrams made the trek down to South County for the show:

Bob Dylan’s “Never Ending Tour” rolled into the Ryan Center on Monday night. The band is currently on a college campus swing, and featured a new addition, RI’s own Duke Robillard on lead guitar. Read More

3. Sir Elton John

A Dunkin Donuts Center crowed was graced by the presence of music royalty in November when Elton John came into Providence for an unforgettable 28-song performance:

Elton John made a triumphant return to Providence Saturday night, making the Dunkin Donuts Center the second stop on his Diving Board Tour. Expectations were high for the near capacity crowd and Sir Elton did not disappoint. He covered a number of hits in his 28 song set, including a full album side from “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Read More

2. The Who

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend; the remaining members of one of the most highly-celebrated rock and roll supergroup of all-time, the Who, finished up the US leg of their World Tour at the Dunkin Donuts Center in February:

On Tuesday at The Dunkin' Donuts Center in downtown Providence, rock & roll legends The Who rocked the joint for the last show of the United States leg of The Quadrophenia and More Tour that has been sweeping the globe since last year. Opening the night were Los Angeles' rock & roll souls Vintage Trouble and it was bound to be one of the memorable shows in Providence's music history. There are rock bands and then there's The Who, it was very clear that the best way to enjoy the first half of your week was to be at The Dunk on Tuesday. Read More

1. Newport Festivals

Summer in Newport -- shopping, beaches, sailing, dining, and LIVE MUSIC. Aquidneck Island comes alive when the weather warms up, and once you get beyond Thames Street, music festivals dominate the scene. In 2013, GoLocal' music critics were on hand for three great music festivals in Newport: